Saddle rig



April 15, 1958 G. 0. SMITH SADDLE RIG Filed Sept. 25, 1956 IN VEN TOR. a052 Amuse 7 George 0. .Sm/M.

United States Patent SADDLE RIG George 0. Smith, Keenesburg, Colo.

Application September 25, 1956, Serial No. 611,864

1 Claim. (CI. 5446) The present invention relates to saddle rigs and has for one of its objects to provide a device which will permit free longitudinal and outward swinging movement of the stirrup leathers with comparatively little strain and wear.

Another object of the invention is to provide a stirrup supporting rig on the front portion of the saddle permitting the rider to assume a natural, relaxed sitting position for ensuring maximum comfort and safety. Moreover, with the stirrups so located it is much easier and safer to mount a horse because the rider is closer to the front of the horse and has better control of the horse. In riding a bucking horse the use of the invention makes it easier to remain mounted.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a rig which may be readily mounted on various types of conventional saddles without the necessity of making material structural alterations therein.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a saddle rig of the character described which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, compact, of light weight and which may be manufactured at low cost.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figures 1, 2 and 3 are side elevational views showing single, three-quarter and full double riggings, respectively, comprising the present invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the rig;

Figure 5 is a view in side elevation of the device; and

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view, taken substantially on the line 66 of Figure 5.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that the embodiment of the invention which has been illustrated comprises a ring 7 of suitable metal. The ring 7, which may also be of any desired dimensions, is of substantially the cross-sectional shape shown to advantage in Figure 6 of the drawing.

The ring 7 includes an outwardly laterally thickened lower portion 8 having formed therein a substantially U-shaped groove or channel 9. Mounted for oscillation in the groove or channel 9 is a D member of suit Patented Apr. 15, 1958 able metal which is designated generally by reference character 10.

The member 10 includes a substantially semi-circular bar 11 which is operable in the groove or channel 9. Extending between the end portions of the substantially semi-circular bar 11 and formed integrally therewith is an outwardly laterally thickened straight bar 12. The member 10 further includes reinforced end portions 13.

Formed integrally with the lower portion of the ring 7 and depending therefrom is a substantially rectangular loop 14. Also formed integrally with the ring 7, above the center line thereof, is a rearwardly extending, substantially semi-circular loop 15.

It is thought that the invention will be readily understood from a consideration of the foregoing. Briefly, the ring 7 is suspended on the front portion of a conventional saddle, 'as indicated at 16, through the medium of a suitable strap 17. The usual strap 18 is connected to the loop 15. Of course, two of the rigs are used, a right and a left, on the two sides of the saddle. The usual cinch tie strap is secured in the loop 14. This is accomplished by inserting the cinch tie strap several times through the loop 14 until it is sufficiently tight to be frictionally anchored. It added strength is needed, as in heavy roping, the cinch tie strap may also be inserted through the lower portion of the ring 7 and the member 10. The inner edge of the arcuate bar 11 is flush with or below the inner circumference of the ring 7, as shown in Figure 6 of the drawing, to prevent the cinch tie strap from being damaged when inserted through the lower portion of the ring 7. The stirrup leather is suspended from the bar 12 of the member 10. The member 10, being rockable in the groove or channel 9, permits the stirrup leather to swing freely, as will be readily apparent. If desired, the member 10 may be suitably lubricated to ensure free movement thereof.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

A saddle rig comprising: a vertical ring for mounting on a saddle, said ring having a substantially U-shaped channel in its lower portion, and a semi-circular member having upstanding ends provided with a connecting cross bar and mounted for oscillation in the channel for suspending a stirrup leather from the cross bar for swinging movement from said ring.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,226,623 Adams May 22, 1917 1,371,020 Connolly Mar. 8, 1921 2,091,897 Vance Aug. 31, 1937 FOREIGN PATENTS 3,502 Great Britain of 1899 

